The Art of Magic

Origins of Magic

Magic has been around since humans invented tools. For example, the first recorded use of cups was approximately 3700 BC. The first recorded performance of the famous trick, the cups and balls, was approximately 3000 BC. Sleight of hand was first used to shortchange merchants when shopping, and eventually evolved to be used as entertainment. As soon as cards and card games came along, hustlers looked for subtle ways to cheat. Over time, sleight of hand has transformed into a more legal art form. Magicians have also specialized into various categories of magic that are discussed in the Types of Magic page.